We thought it would be interesting to look at the sales flow numbers for the top selling powersport and motorcycle batteries according to Yuasa Inc. Each year Yuasa / Motocross produces a list of the top 25 OE part numbers used in Motorcycles, ATV's, Personal Watercraft, Scooters, Snowmobiles and Side-by-side Utility Vehicles. It is interesting to watch how certain SKUs rise and slide down the rankings and how the sales flow percentage fluctuates from one year to the next. Some of the numbers presented are surprising. As we examine this list every year or two, we hope to draw some conclusions, notate some market trends and provide analysis of potential competition. This can be used as a basic cross reference or buying guide for stocking dealers and interested parties. You will always know what the top 10 batteries are and can prepare accordingly when managing your stock.

All of the sales flow numbers listed come directly from the Yuasa/Motocross Battery Application and Specifications catalog. The notations, analysis and remarks concerning competing brands such as East Penn (Harley OE Battery), Kinetik, MotoBatt, Moto Classic or any other brand are added by our technicians and sales team. They are meant to aid in your search for your next motorcycle battery.

2017 Sales Flow Analysis

2015 Sales Flow Analysis

One of the most interesting differences comparing 2013 to 2015 is the slide for the YB14A-A2 (9.6%) from position 1 to the 4th position (4.9%). But what you cannot fully see is the AGM maintenance free upgrade YTX14AH-BS raised from the 13th position (2.4%) to the 9th position with a 3.5% sales flow. The combined sales still dropped substantially, 12% to 8.4%, but the AGM version gained steady traction.

The YTX14-BS catapulted to the top of the list with 7.6% sales flow compared to a 4.1% sales flow two year prior and landing in the 7th position. Primarily used in ATVs and four wheelers this battery is also showing up in several motorcycles.

The YTX20L-BS and YTX20HL-BS are essentially the same battery as viewed by polarity and dimension; the ‘H’ version has higher CCA and amp hour capacity. The combined total increased about 30% looking at the differences between 2013 and 2015. The astute shopper, becoming more aware of the better version surged sales over 100% for the 20HL.

2013 Sales Flow Analysis

The YB16CL-B is used in some Harley bikes but it is most widely found in the personal watercraft such as Jet Ski and SeaDoo. These batteries are notorious for failing quickly as they are subjected to continuous pounding. The new AGM batteries are far more vibration resistant than the conventional wet batteries and you never have to mess with acid again! East Penn and MotoBatt make a sealed AGM upgrade that can be used in these applications. The ETX16L and MBTX20U are the part numbers. Yuasa also came out with a dry charge AGM known as the YTX20HL-BSPW which includes a bottom spacer to raise the height of the battery (but you do need to add teh acid before initial use). The ETX16L, in our opinion, is the best fit and offers the highest crank.